BC-NC–North Carolina Sports Digest, NC

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NFL:

PANTHERS-CAMP BEGINS

SPARTANBTURG, S.C. — The NFC champion Carolina Panthers are plenty optimistic about their chances of returning to the Super Bowl as they report to training camp, but are also aware there is plenty of work to be done. By Steve Reed. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by 6 p.m.

NHL:

HURRICANES-PETERS

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes signed coach Bill Peters to a contract extension through the 2018-19 season, general manager Ron Francis said Wednesday. Peters has a record of 65-72-27 in two seasons while leading the Hurricanes’ rebuilding project. They finished this season sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-31-16 record, but earned 86 points — their most since 2010-11, and a 15-point improvement from Peters’ first year. SENT: 280 words.

AUTO RACING:

INDYCAR-TARGET LEAVING

CHARLOTTE — Target will leave IndyCar at the end of this season after 27 years with Chip Ganassi Racing that included 11 championships and four Indianapolis 500 victories. The exit comes as Target is examining all of its marketing platforms under new chairman Brian Cornell. Target is also the primary sponsor of Kyle Larson in NASCAR’s top Sprint Cup Series and will return to his car in 2017. By Jenna Fryer. SENT: 600 words, photos.